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My Beauty Favorites — Week of January 11-17, 2015

We had a surprise snow last night. I knew it was going to be in the single digits today in temperature, but I didn’t know it was going to snow. I think I’m done with winter. I am definitely looking toward to spring!

To keep my skin soft this week I’m loving a hydrating face fluid, a body oil and moisturizing body lotion. I am also loving cooling body wipes (great for the gym) and a maximum hold hair spray.

L’Occitane Shea Face Soothing Fluid ($50 USD) this ultra-lightweight formula contains calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients like rose hip and calendula oils and 5% shea butter to soothe, comfort and protect dry, sensitive skin. And to ensure you get nothing but a pure, clean formula with each pump, this fluid is housed in a special anti-contamination dispenser to prevent bacteria from entering.

What I think: I love this light fluid! It’s so nice in this cold weather. I apply it morning and night. It can go under moisturizer or sunscreen or be used on it’s own. It hydrates my parched skin without being heavy.

Available at usa.loccitane.com

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil ($8 USD) — Keep your skin supple and soft with this light-weight, all natural body oil. Sweet almond and lemon oils and Vitamin E recondition skin throughout your pregnancy. No phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS.

What I think: This has such a bright, lemony scent. I like using it on my skin after a shower or bath. It leaves my skin so soft without leaving it greasy.

Purchase at http://www.burtsbees.com

Curél Ultra Healing Lotion ($7.99 USD) — has been clinically proven to work two times better than the leading intensive lotion while healing skin’s moisture barrier so it can better lock-in and maintain moisture over time. It contains extra-strength, naturally hydrating agents so skin feels soft, supple, and restored.

What I think: If you have super dry, cracked skin, this lotion is for you. I love using it on my very dry legs and feet. At night, apply this to feet, then put cotton socks on. You will wake up with soft and smooth tootsies!

Purchase at Drugstores and Mass Retailers

Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths ($3.29 USD) — These unique towelettes wipe away sweat, cool the body down, and leave a unique soft powder finish, so you’re left feeling completely refreshed, with no sticky residue. Unlike others, these cloths will leave skin feeling smooth and silky, instead of wet and sticky – perfect for when you’re on the go.

What I think: These come in four scents — restore, invigorate, energize and enliven. They are all nice, soft scents. The cloths clean and cool the body and do not leave it wet or sticky. They are perfect for after the gym or on a hot day.

Available at Drugstores and Mass Retailers

KMS California HAIRSTAY maximum hold hair spray ($18.99 USD 8.6 oz) — Ultra-firm finishing and shine. 24-hour hold. Humidity resistance. Excellent for finishing any style, keeps hair in place with a firm hold. Thermopolymer (for heat style creation). Mirustyle (provides heat protection). Rhodiola watermint (known for thermal stress protection, cooling and refreshing).

What I think: This hairspray not only holds my style, it helps with frizz, which I need all year long. I love the soft scent, too.

Purchase at beauty supply stores including Ulta.

QVC Today’s Special Value — IT Cosmetics New Year Your Most Beautiful Skin!

IT Cosmetics New Year Your Most Beautiful Skin in Light

IT Cosmetics New Year Your Most Beautiful Skin ($59.96 or two easy payments for $29.98 each a $214 value!) — Starting midnight tonight, January 16th, you can buy this amazing set for one day only! If you love IT Cosmetics as much as I do, or you want to get an amazing deal and try something new — check this out! The set includes:

This exclusive six-piece collection is the perfect way to start your new year, and lets your natural beauty shine through with anti-aging, skin-loving, game-changing products! You’ll discover the hydrating coverage of CC+ Veil™ Cushion Compact Foundation, super-sized for the first time with a bonus refill cartridge. Also included are Blurred Lines™ Smooth-Fill Lipstick and CC+™ Anti-Aging Crème Blush, your must-haves for the look of youthful vitality—now available in Je Ne Sais Quoi™, your naturally pretty flush of pink. Experience it all with the soft-touch, flawless-looking finish of your Heavenly Luxe™ Angled Radiance Crème Brush and Heavenly Luxe™ Dual-Ended Complexion Perfection Brush that do the work for you!

I was especially excited to try the Cushion Compact. I haven’t tried one before. When I opened it up, it seemed a lot darker than my skin tone. But, once I applied it, it matched my skin tone exactly. Plus, it glided over my pores and fine lines. It didn’t settled at all in them. It gave me full coverage and a really natural look. I am so glad that the set included a refill, because I am going to be using this foundation for a long time! It is available in 5 shades from Fair to Rich.

The Blurred Lines lipstick and the Crème Blush are two products I hadn’t tried before either. Both are a little too bright pink for me, but I do love the blush. A little brightens up my fair skin and really wakes me up.

Have you tried IT Cosmetics brushes before? This set is worth it just for the value and quality of the brushes. They are so soft! The best brushes I have used, hands down! And you get two in this set. Amazing!

Are you going to pick up this set? Watch QVC today or click here to order.

Milani Cosmetics — New Products For 2016

Milani Cosmetics is an affordable drugstore brand that has very high quality, fun products! I was lucky to receive some of their recent releases for my honest review:

Milani Cosmetics Moisture Lock Oil Infused Lip Treatment

Milani Cosmetics Everyday Eyes Eye Shadow Palettes

Moisture Lock Oil Infused Lip Treatment ($7.99 USD) — Give dry and cracked lips a kiss goodbye with super-hydrating Moisture Lock Oil Infused Lip Treatments. These luxurious oils glide on without feeling tacky or greasy, allowing you to sip, smooch and smile without having to wipe off! Formulated with Jojoba, Avocado and Tsubaki Oil, each treatment has its own additional benefits to keep lips nourished all year round. Indulge in the lip-loving feel and addictive scent of Milani’s new lip oils.

I LOVE these lip oils! They are my new favorite lip product! They are as moisturizing as a lip balm, but give a little shine. I like a natural lip and this is perfect for day time looks. Plus it treats as you wear it! It is available in 8 different oils and I want all of them. My current favorites are the Revitalizing Grapefruit and the Moisturizing Almond Coco, but all of the ones I have tried taste, smell and especially fell amazing!

Everyday Eyes Eye Shadow ($9.99 USD) — This visually impactful collection is perfect for a non-intimidating impulse buy. Each palette consists of expertly color coordinated shades that work well together when applied step-by-step, and in any color combination. Included in each palette is a professional, dual-ended brush that blends, defines and applies easily. An easy ‘How To’ guide is included so that you can master any eye look.

I have this in Earthly Elements that are a mix of matte and shimmery earth tones, including a surprising matte reddish orange, that I really love! They are well pigmented and I can do a smoky eye or a natural day look with them. I am excited to try other palettes as well-especially the plum one!

Big & Bigger Lashes ($7.99 USD) — Get larger than life lashes that won’t smudge or flake with this maximum volume mascara that builds intense volume in just one application. This mascara’s creamy texture and lash conditioning ingredients make it easy to enhance eyes while leaving your lashes soft and lush. The custom designed sculpting brush has a flat reservoir side that deposits mascara directly to lashes and a comb on either side that distributes mascara evenly from base to tip, separating lashes. The bristles on the top of the brush catch hard-to-reach lashes in the corner of the eyes and can be applied to bottom lashes for extra va-voom!

If huge lashes are for you, try this mascara! It takes a bit of practice to perfect the technique with the brush, but once I did, I got length (which I need) with the volume.

Milani has also released new brow products, a matte lip crème, a combo foundation and concealer and more. Check all of their new products out at CVS Stores nationwide and MilaniCosmetics.com.

BUTTERelixir Review — Hydrate Naturally

It has been so COLD this week! I have been trying to keep moisturized! My face and body have needed extra moisture to feel comfortable.

Luckily, I was sent BUTTERelixir products for my honest review. BUTTERelixir is an all natural oil-based skincare line. It was created by 3 yogis in NYC who have backgrounds in fashion and design. They decided to marry all of the goodness from a natural holistic product and package it in a modern, clean yet classic bottle.

They wanted something purely moisturizing to put on after they practiced yoga and throughout the day to nourish their skin. BUTTERelixir was born and quickly developed a cult following among yogis and people in the fashion industry.

BUTTERelixir bundle ($95 USD) –The BUTTERelixir bundle is the perfect linen drawstring pouch containing a 3oz. of BUTTERelixir body and hair oil, BUTTERelixir face oil and BUTTERelixir lip. Hydration and moisture are behind a great face.

What I think: The ingredients of the body and hair oil are Sweet Almond oil, Argan oil, Lavender and Chamomile. It is very light and hydrates so nicely. The face oil contains Rose Hip oil, Argan oil, Apricot Kernel and Rose essential oil. It sinks into the skin and leaves it soft, not greasy.

The lip balms comes in a nice size pot, there is a lot of product and it will last a long time! Plus, it leaves my lips very soft. All three products have light, herbal scents and hydrate without being heavy. So nice for everyday use.

Purchase at www.butterelixir.com

Have you tried BUTTERelixir. Leave a comment and let me know!

Tea Time! Davidson’s Organic Tea Review

I was lucky to review samples of Davidson’s Organic Tea for my honest review. After heavy holiday coffees and hot chocolate, a nice cup of tea is a healthy and delicious alternative beverage!

I tried the following teas:

Autumn Fruit & Flowers (Loose Leaf)

Sun, Moon and Stars Green Tea (Loose Leaf)

Mango Peach Ice Tea

Spiced Pear

Autumn Fruit & Flowers (Loose Leaf) ($9.67 sampler bag, 40-60 cups) — A festive caffeine-free blend of harvest fruits and flowers with autumn fruit and spice flavors, representing citrus peels, cranberries, apples, cinnamon, cloves and rosehips. Ingredients (* organic): Cranberries*, cinnamon*, apples*, rosehips*, cloves*, lemon peel*, orange peel*, natural flavor & calendula flowers*.

Sun, Moon and Stars (Loose Leaf) ($7.44 for a sampler bag 40-60 cups) — A delightful blend of jasmine, oolong and gunpowder green teas. Ingredients (* organic): Oolong*, green tea* & jasmine tea*.

Mango Peach Ice ($6.49 USD) — Mango Peach Ice blends robust organic black tea from South India with a wonderful essence of mango and peach. Contains a total of 8 one-quart brew bags. Each quart-size bag brews appx. 4 cups of iced tea, for a total of 2 gallons.

Spiced Pear Black Tea ($2.95 for 8) — Spiced Pear combines sweet organic cinnamon and pungent cloves with the heady essence of fresh pears. Almost dessert-like in character, this tea is rounded and flavorful, delicious hot or iced. Robust organic black tea perfectly complements the fragrant, subtle flavors of pears and penetrating spices. Ingredients (* organic): Black tea*, cinnamon*, carob*, natural flavor and cloves*.

What I think: I enjoyed all of these teas. My favorite is the Mango Peach Ice Tea. It is so refreshing! I can see myself drinking this during the day. I usually don’t drink soda often, and water gets a little boring. This is tasty and a lot healthier than soda!

The spiced pear is great for cold days. You can really taste the cloves. The Sun, Moon and Stars is a nice change from plain green tea. It’s very smooth.

I thought I’d like the Autumn Fruit & Flowers more than I did. It doesn’t seem like tea to me. It is rehydrated fruit and flowers, which is very different. I will try it a few more times to see what I think.

All in all, I really recommend Davidson’s Organic Teas. They are so good and there are many varieties. Visit http://www.davidsonstea.com and check them out!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of January 4-10, 2015

This week, it has grown colder in Kansas City. It really feels like winter now! Since I have been staying inside, I have been trying various fun new products!

I have been loving a cleansing foam, an acne treatment, a flawless foundation, a breath drop and lip balm combo, and a cool new toothbrush:

Lumene’s Bright Touch Refreshing Cleansing Foam ($10.99 at CVS, 5.1 fl. oz.) — Hydrating and caring cleansing foam for gentle yet efficient cleansing of makeup and impurities. Leaves skin perfectly clean, soft and balanced. Detoxifying, unique arctic cloudberry nectar helps to boost your skin’s natural radiance.

What I think: I am loving this gentle cleanser. It foams nicely, but doesn’t dry out my skin at all. It’s great to use day or night before my serums and lotions. I also love how affordable it is.

Purchase at CVS stores and other mass market retailers

DDF Acne Control Treatment ($46 USD) — A night treatment that fights, controls, and normalizes acne. Contains the Clarifying Neutralizing Complex with skin conditioners and glycerin that moisturize to soothe skin and restore balance. Salicylic Acid helps keep pores clear and helps fights and prevent blemishes for restored clarity. Non-comedogenic and paraben-free.

Fights and controls acne
Helps keep pores clear
Soothes and restores clarity

What I think: I get occasional breakouts, and when I do this is the perfect product to use. It is great on my pores and any area that I am experiencing a breakout in. In the morning, my skin feels smoother and looks clearer.

Purchase at http://www.ddfskincare.com

Smashbox Liquid Halo Foundation ($42 USD) — Bring on the flawless! The first-ever foundation with 100% Liquid Light Technology completely evens out skin for a totally natural, luminous finish. (Think gel-covered pigments that mimic photo filters to blur imperfections.)

Created in Smashbox studios, this HD formula was developed to keep up with advancing photo technology by giving you flawless coverage that’s undetectable to the naked eye.

•    Works with all undertones
•    Buildable sheer-to-medium coverage
•    Long-wearing
•    Moisturizing
•    Sweat and humidity resistant

What I think: I love this foundation. It is very light on the skin, but gives full coverage. It feels like skincare on, it leaves my skin soft and looking flawless!

Purchase at http://www.smashbox.com

Kissamint ($19.50 USD each) — Conveniently packaged together for the first time ever, Kissamint combines a luxe conditioning gloss with breath freshening drops so you are ready for anything. Available in a sheer (Miss Independamint) or tinted lip gloss (Spearamint Ur Ex), lips stay hydrated and breath is fresh so you will never be caught unprepared again!

What I think: I have never tried a product like this before, it is such an original idea! I love the Miss Independamint, because the balm is sheer and the drops are peppermint. The Spearamint Ur Ex would be great for going out. The color is a sheer red and it would be nice to have the drops when you meet new people!

Available at http://www.kissamint.com

Evolve Toothbrush ($15 USD) — Created with a patented Triple Flexing brush head design which helps thoroughly and easily clean surfaces of teeth and gums, especially the hard to reach areas, it’s a dramatic evolution in brush design with results that can benefit not just oral health, but overall health as well. EVOLVE toothbrush is design to work for people of all ages beginning at 6 years old. It’s fantastic for everyday use for people across all spectrums of dental needs.

It not only brushes at or below gum level, but it is a great tool for people with braces, gum problems and people with disabilities. It’s a SMART toothbrush that knows what to do even it you don’t!

What I think: I love using this toothbrush! It covers so much surface that I know that I am really getting my teeth clean! Since it is so big, it takes a bit of getting use to, but is easy to use.

Purchase at evolveoralcare.com

What are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

IT Cosmetics New Superhero Mascara Review!

IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara (On sale right now for $26.36 for two on QVC.com) — One of my favorite companies, IT Cosmetics, has come out with an awesome new mascara that really works like a superhero! What is it’s claim, you ask?:

Formulated to give you the look of volume, length, and lift, Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara will take your lashes to new heights. The Lash-Changing Power Brush has bristles cut at all different lengths to make sure no lash is left behind, no matter its length. This innovative brush wraps each individual lash from root to tip, treating your lashes to collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, proteins, peptides, and polymers. It transforms your lashes with a super-black color for the look of longer, more defined lashes.

I was sent a sample of this amazing mascara to try and oh my! My tiny lashes almost hit my eyebrows once I applied it. Plus it stayed on all day without flaking. Mascara usually smudges on me by the end of the day, but this one didn’t!

This never-before-seen launch will make it’s debut on QVC TODAY during the 11pm Eastern Friday Night Beauty segment. You can purchase a duo of the mascaras now here. And the price is great, too!

Are you going to pick this one up tonight? I am going to watch tonight to see the presentation!

Enjoy!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of December 28 – January 3, 2015

I hope your new year is going well! I’m excited about 2016. I’m looking forward to trying and reviewing fab new beauty products. Hopefully I will discover new brands and fun makeup, hair care, body care and skincare!

This week, I’m focusing on cosmetics I have been loving from Cargo, POP Beauty and Milani:

Cargo Cosmetics’ Venice Enchantment Eye Shadow Palette ($34 on sale for $27 on the Cargo website) — Inspired by the richness and romance of Venice, these 12 shimmer tapestry shades, from deep wines to burnished golds, are versatile and wearable “new neutrals” that flatter all skin tones.

Shade Descriptions:

Canal: Pale Yellow Gold

Magic: Light Brown/Pink

Carnival: Deep Burgundy

Murano: Medium Brown/Red

Gondola: Medium Red/Brown

Mask: Peach

Gilded: Medium Yellow Gold

Rialto: Deep Brown

Lido: Medium Gold/Brown

Lagoon: Olive Green

Bridge: Pale Beige/Gold

Palazzo: Dark Brown

Includes a dual ended brush and a black eye liner pencil. Paraben free formulas.

What I think: These colors are gorgeous and different from any eye shadow palettes I have seen lately. I really love the green/red brown/gold combinations. The shadows have great pigment and staying power.

Available through the holidays at CargoCosmetics.com, Ulta.com & Kohl’s Beauty.

POP Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix

POP Beauty Insta-Brow Sealer

POP Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix ($16 USD) — An innovative lipstick texture coats lips in bold colour with just one swipe. Colour-true and pigment-rich, this stay-put lipstick is enriched with Vitamin E to protect & nourish.

POP Beauty Insta-Brow Sealer ($14 USD) — This stay-put grooming gel helps smooth and tame brows to instantly put unruly hairs in place. This treatment formula defines & conditions brows while holding the most POP-perfect brow arch.

What I think: I love the nude, matte lipstick. It isn’t too drying for a matte and it gives great color. Plus, it lasts fairly long. The brow sealer works well with or without brow color. It is nice to use when I am in a hurry and I just want to give my brows a bit of shape.

Purchase at www.popbeauty.com

Milani Rose Powder Blush

Milani Baked Blush

Milani Rose Powder Blush ($7.99 USD) — Inspired by the rose gardens of Milan and made with real rose metals, this is a blush that deserves to be seen! Gorgeous in the compact, even prettier on cheeks, this petal soft, matte-finish powder shapes, contours and highlights. This unique and luxurious matte powder contains real rose petals that are crushed and micro-milled into the powder to naturally enhance every skin tone for streak-free shaping and contouring.

Milani Baked Blush ($8.49 USD) — This silky blush with benefits can be used so many ways. It shapes, it contours, it highlights. Sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles, it’s buildable from sheer to vibrant. Yes, it adds a cheeky pop of color to your complexion. Radiance and warmth, too.

What I think: Both of these blushes are gorgeous and it’s surprising how affordable they are! The rose blush is in the shade Tea Rose, it is great for a soft hint of blush. The baked is in Bella Rose, a bright, pretty color. A little goes a long way!

Available at CVS stores nationwide and MilaniCosmetics.com

What makeup are you loving this year (so far)?

Beauty Products in Pantone’s Colors of the Year 2016 — Rose Quartz and Serenity

Happy New Year! It is a new year. I hope 2016 is starting off great for every one!

Do you follow the Pantone color of the year each year? I do! The fun thing about this is that we see the color (or colors) in makeup and other items all throughout the year.

Last year it was Marsala, and the color was prevalent in beauty products for each season. This year there are two colors — Rose Quartz and Serenity. These colors are so different from last year’s, they are very soft and pretty. I think everyone can wear them in some way to bring soft color to your look!

Here are a few picks in makeup, nail polish and skincare that you can easily incorporate in your routine and stay on trend:

Smashbox Art. Love. Color Kit in Pout ($29 USD) — Make someone pout with 4 studio favorites in a Smashbox signature shade. This set features our bestsellers for lip and cheek in ultra-wearable and flattering soft pink —all wrapped up in painter Yago Hortal’s one-of-a-kind, hypnotic artwork.

Includes:
•   Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Pout (pale blue pink)
•   Travel-size Be Legendary Lipstick in Pout (bubblegum pink)
•   L.A. Lights in Pacific Coast Pout (bubblegum pink)
•   Always Sharp Lip Liner in Frenchie (bubblegum pink)

Available at http://www.smashbox.com

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Pink

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Sky

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Pink and Bella Sky ($4.49 USD) — This rich color glides on in a single stroke, delivering a stunning multi-dimensional effect. This eye shadow can be used wet or dry as a shadow or highlighter. The incredibly innovative, weightless formula blends easily with the fingertips to light up the eyes.

Available at CVS stores nationwide and MilaniCosmetics.com

eos Visibly Soft Smooth Sphere Lip Balm ($3.29 USD each) — For immediately softer, more beautiful lips, the NEW eos Visibly Soft Smooth Spheres contain hyaluronic acid to help improve the texture of lips with each swipe leaving lips ultra-soft, smooth and beautiful. Enriched with Vitamin C, these lip balms help hydrate and moisturize lips from the inside out.

Available in two delicious soothing flavors, Coconut Milk and Vanilla Mint at Target, Walmart, Ulta, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Drugstore.com and EvolutionOfSmooth.com

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Set Sail

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Arm Candy

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sugar Fix

The above Sally Hansen polishes are gorgeous and perfectly on trend!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Set Sail

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Arm Candy

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sugar Fix

Prices vary. Learn more at http://www.sallyhansen.com and purchase at mass market retailers such as Target and Ulta.

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare New Awakenings Anti-Aging Day Treatment Discovery Gift Set ($49 USD) — Featuring anti-aging properties, this Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare kit revitalizes your skin. 3-piece set includes: 0.5-oz. Recapture Day + IR Defense Anti-Aging Day Cream, 3.0-oz. Complete Clarity Facial Cleansing Wash & 3.0-oz. Complete Clarity Daily Facial Exfoliating Polish.

Purchase at http://www.kohls.com

ZeroWater Ready-Pour Water Filtration Pitcher Review

I was sent a ZeroWater 12-cup Ready-Pour Water Filtration Pitcher ($37.99 USD) for my honest review. I was excited to try it!

Here is details on the pitcher:

The Ready-Pour pitcher is the first in its class that has a sealed lid and reservoir, making it possible to pour water that has already been filtered without spilling water that’s still filtering. This means the reservoir can now be kept full, adding a full two cups’ capacity to the existing 10-cup design. It also features a one-hand, pull and pour button spout for easy bottle filling. It uses the patented ZeroWater filtration system, which combines FIVE sophisticated technologies that work together to remove virtually all dissolved solids from your water. The result is great-tasting water, straight from the tap.

ZeroWater’s first layer of filtration, activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy, removes the chlorine taste you are accustomed to with tap water. The Ion Exchange stage removes virtually all dissolved solids that may be left over from public water systems or even leached into your water from piping, such as aluminum, lead, zinc, nitrates, and more. Three additional stages are included to remove other impurities and ensure your water receives the appropriate amount of treatment time to deliver a “000” reading on the included laboratory-grade Total Dissolved Solids meter.

What I think: This is a sophisticated filtration system that really works. It’s probably the best tasting water I have had in a long time! It is clear and clean and so much better that bottled water, you can really taste the difference. And that tastes makes me think that the water that I’m drinking is truly pure and so good for my family!

I also love how you can fill up the pitcher, then pour the water as it comes out of the bottom and not where you filled it. It’s a great design.

Purchase at http://www.zerowater.com and retailers such as Target, Walmart, Bed, Bath, Beyond and Amazon.

Have you tried this water pitcher? Leave a comment and let me know!